Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Light Heavyweight

Nov 16, 2010

File Photo: Sherdog.com

Mauricio "Shogun"
Rua

Light Heavyweight

1. Mauricio Rua
(19-4)
“Shogun” underwent another knee surgery, stemming from an injury
suffered in his May 8 title capture against Lyoto Machida. Recovery
and rehab have postponed his bout with former champion Rashad
Evans. Their encounter now looks as if it might be greenlit for
March, as Rua and Evans could headline the proposed UFC 128 bill
in the United Arab Emirates.

2. Lyoto
Machida (16-1)
Despite his father, Yoshizo, announcing he would like to see his
son retire, Machida will do just the opposite. Coming off his
brutal knockout loss to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in May, Machida will
get right back into the 205-pound fray later this year. He will
face another former UFC champion, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, in the
main event of UFC
123 on Nov. 20.

3. Rashad
Evans (15-1-1)
The wait continues for the toe-tapping Evans, who will remain on
the sidelines until Mauricio “Shogun” Rua fully rehabilitates his
knee and allows the two stars to contest the UFC light heavyweight
crown. It now appears they will collide in March, possibly at the
rumored UFC 128 event in the United Arab Emirates.

4. Quinton
Jackson (30-8)
Coming off a tough decision loss to rival Rashad Evans in May,
Jackson will stay right in the hottest fires at 205 pounds. In the
main event of UFC 123 on Nov. 20, Jackson will take on fellow
former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida in a must-win
bout for “Rampage.”

5. Forrest
Griffin (17-6)
With his second book penned and injuries healed, Griffin is due for
his return to the Octagon. He will take on former middleweight
champion Rich Franklin at UFC
126 on Feb. 5 in what could be a highly entertaining affair at
205 pounds.

6. Ryan Bader
(12-0)
It was not a thrilling victory, but at UFC 119 on Sept. 25, “The
Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 winner earned a unanimous decision over
well-established veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the twin of his
reality series coach. The win sets up Bader for a Feb. 5 showdown
with fellow fast-riser Jon Jones at UFC 126.

7. Jon Jones
(11-1)
The 23-year-old Jones seems destined for greatness. The next step
in the evolution for “Bones” will be a major
prospect-versus-prospect showdown come Super Bowl weekend. Jones
expects to meet fellow blue chipper Ryan Bader at UFC 126 on Feb.
5.

8. Antonio
Rogerio Nogueira (19-4)
Nogueira made a sterling UFC debut back in November 2009 but has
been lackluster in two subsequent bouts against Jason Brilz
and Ryan Bader. Next up for “Minotoro” will be former UFC light
heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz in
March, possibly at UFC 128 in the United Arab Emirates.

9. Rafael
Cavalcante (10-2)
Cavalcante will defend his Strikeforce light heavyweight title for
the first time in early 2011. He will get a look at his next
contender on Dec. 4, when Dan
Henderson and Renato
Sobral square off in a de facto title eliminator. Strikeforce
CEO Scott Coker has indicated the winner would be the first title
challenger for “Feijao.”

10. Muhammed
Lawal (7-1)
“King Mo” had his crown taken by Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante on Aug.
21 in Houston. A slow start and an overreliance on his stand-up
skills saw Lawal play right into Cavalcante’s game. It got him
stopped just 74 seconds into the third round, as he suffered the
first loss of his MMA career.